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We all need a hand-up sometimes. Some of us need a little more. Since 1949, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy has offered that support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A court decision in 2024 offered a boost in those services and changed the way the state approaches IDD. But the new federal administration’s policy changes and budget cuts put that progress at risk. WEMU's David Fair talked with the association’s President and CEO, Kristen Columbus, about all of it on this week’s "Washtenaw United".

The federal administration has laid off hundreds of staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the impact is already being felt locally and in region. Moving forward, there is the potential NOAA's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab in Ann Arbor could be shut down. WEMU's David Fair spoke with Nicole Rice about where it stands now and where it may be headed. Rice is among those already fired from the lab in Ann Arbor.

Dzanc House in Ypsilanti has given a home for writers and creatives for years. Starting this fall, Dzanc House will present a new project called "Beyond the Binary: Stories That Shift Culture." It aims to amplify the stories of LGBTQ+ youth through writing, poetry and podcasting. Learn more in Lee Van Roth's conversation with Dzanc House's director of development, programs and communications, Charlene Choi.

Are you new to Ann Arbor or starting a new academic journey at the University of Michigan? Well, the Michigan Theater has a special event planned for you! WEMU's David Fair talks all about it with Marquee Arts cinema programming director, Nick Alderink. And they discuss the newest films and special screenings coming to downtown Ann Arbor!

Efforts to combat income inequity and social justice have to have a strong foundational place from which to work. Literacy is right at the top of the list. Washtenaw Literacy is under new leadership, and it comes at a time when non-profits are struggling to find the financial support to maximize community impact. WEMU's David Fair talked with the new executive director, David Martineau, about the impact of the organization and where it goes from here.

Child abuse is still one of those subjects that are too frequently discussed in hushed tones. The aftermath of abuse can be lifelong, and that’s why prevention is so important. That’s where the Washtenaw Area Council for Children comes in. Its mission is to prevent victimization of our youngsters by working with kids, parents and youth-serving professionals. WEMU's David Fair gets a look at those efforts with the council's executive director, Tim Richey.

The state budget hasn’t been passed yet, but all indications are that it will include significant cuts to social safety net programs. That will have impacts throughout the community, including at The Corner Health Center in Ypsilanti. WEMU's David Fair checked in with the center's CEO, Alex Plum, and discussed how he is preparing for the known and the unknown.

Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) plays a vital role in keeping seniors across the community fed, connected, and supported. As federal and local funding streams face uncertainty, YMOW is faces rising demand for services. Lee Van Roth discussed the challenges with YMOW president and CEO, Barbara Niess-May.

The Michigan football season is underway, and excitement and expectations are on high for what the Wolverines can accomplish on the field of play. There are also big expectations for what happens in and around the rest of the "Big House". Work towards making Michigan gamedays a zero-waste event continue, and WEMU's David Fair discussed progress with U-M Senior Project Manager, Alison Richardson.

It's officially October, and there's a whole bunch of award-worthy movies arriving with the fall season! WEMU's David Fair met up with Marquee Arts cinema programming director Nick Alderink to discuss all of your movie options.